Exercise device and method

ABSTRACT

An exercise device and method.

BACKGROUND

Individuals may benefit from physical exercise including muscle trainingin maintaining a healthy lifestyle especially as they get older.Exercise and muscle training can assist in rehabilitation of injuredmuscles and improve outcomes after injuries, illnesses and surgicalprocedures.

There are four main categories of muscle contractions that occur ineveryday movement as well as in muscle training and exercise. Eccentriccontractions typically involve lengthening of a muscle whilecontracting, such as, for instance occurs with the downward release of adumbbell in a bicep curl. Concentric contraction typically occurs when amuscle shortens in length during contraction such as occurs with anupward motion of a bicep curl. Isometric contraction typically occurswhen a muscle is held at a constant length while contracting, such aswhen an individual holds an object in place. Passive stretchingtypically occurs when a muscle lengthens when not contracting, such aswhen one is performing various stretching exercises.

Exercise machines have been utilized to facilitate exercise and muscletraining. Exercise machines may be useful in helping individuals isolateparticular muscles or muscle groups for targeted training and/orexercise of such muscles or muscle groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments will be described withreference to the following figures, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwisespecified.

FIG. 1 a is a top view of an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1 b is a side view of an exercise device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a user standing on an exercise device accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a rotatable member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a shaft and torque generating member for anexercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 a is a diagram of accessories adapted for use with an exercisedevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 b is a diagram of accessories adapted for use with an exercisedevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram view of a control panel for use with an exercisedevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of an exercise device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view of an exercise device coupled to counterweightsaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a skeletal drawing of a human hip showing various muscles ofthe hip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, various embodiments will bedisclosed. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials,and/or configurations are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to oneskilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without one or moreof the specific details or with other approaches, materials, components,etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and/oroperations are not shown in detail and may be described only briefly toavoid obscuring embodiments. Accordingly, in some instances, featuresare omitted and/or simplified in order to not obscure the disclosedembodiments. Furthermore, it is understood that embodiments shown in thefigures are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawnto scale. Discussion of particular embodiments of an exercise device ismeant to be illustrative and is not meant to be limiting in any regardwith respect to claimed subject matter.

There are many circumstances where hip and leg muscles may benefit fromrange of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normalposition of upright weight bearing. For instance, the ability to toneand increase flexibility of hip and leg muscles may be beneficial formany athletic undertakings such as for instance, martial arts, iceskating, golfing, running and fencing. Such a “normal position ofupright weight bearing,” referred to herein, may include positions thatput some or all of the weight of an individual's body on the musclesbeing exercised, such as, standing on one leg in an upright position.

Additionally, individuals with disorders of the hip, leg and foot (whichmay or may not involve musculature) may benefit from range of motionand/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of uprightweight bearing. Such disorders may include, but are not limited to,piriformis syndrome, transient osteoporosis of the hip, inflammatoryarthritis of the hip, muscle injury, tendon injury and recovery aftersurgery.

Piriformis syndrome is characterized by a dysfunction of the piriformismuscle 1100 depicted in FIG. 10. Here, piriformis muscle 1100 may workwith the quadratus femoris 1111 to abduct and laterally rotate the thighat the hip. Piriformis syndrome may develop after an injury or withaging, for example. Piriformis syndrome may cause sciatica pain due topressure on the sciatic nerve caused by the piriformis muscle. Treatmentfor piriformis syndrome may include a combination of range of motionand/or conditioning exercises and steroid injections.

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a disorder of the hip that iscommon in women. Osteoporosis is typically progressive and painless,however, TOH is reversible and painful. Treatment of TOH may includerange of motion and/or conditioning exercises and administration of painrelievers.

Inflammatory arthritis of the hip (IAH) is characterized by aninflammation of the hip joint. Some causes of IAH are rheumatoidarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus.Treatment of IAH may include administration of various mediations suchas anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, and methotrexate as well as rangeof motion and/or conditioning exercises.

Muscles and tendons of the hip, leg and foot are typically verysusceptible to injury especially in athletes. Range of motion and/orconditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weightbearing may help prevent such injuries and/or aid in recovery from suchinjury.

Hip replacement surgery is typically followed by a long convalescence.Range of motion and/or conditioning exercises may help regain muscletone and flexibility in the hip during and/or following recovery fromsurgery.

There are numerous muscles of the human body. Many muscles of the humanbody may generally benefit from exercise, such as, for instance, rangeof motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal positionof upright weight bearing. An example of muscles that may benefit fromexercise performed in an upright weight bearing position may include,for example, muscles of the hip, leg and foot. Referring again to FIG.10, certain muscles of the hip and leg that may benefit from range ofmotion exercises performed in a normal position of upright weightbearing are illustrated. The superior gemellus 1112, the inferiorgemellus 1114, the obturator externus 1115 and the obturator internus1116 may contribute to rotation of the thigh laterally. Also, thequadratus femoris 1111 may rotate the hip laterally. Additionally, thegluteus medius (not shown) may help rotate the hip both medially andlaterally, while the gluteus minimus (not shown) may abduct and mediallyrotate the hip. The sartorius (not shown) may laterally rotate the hipjoint. However, these are merely examples of muscles that may benefitfrom range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normalposition of upright weight bearing and claimed subject matter is notlimited in this respect. Nor is claimed subject matter limited to rangeof motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal positionof upright weight bearing. There are many beneficial exercises that maybe performed in other positions, such as, for instance, a positionrequiring little or no weight bearing as in a foot exercise performedfrom a sitting position.

FIG. 1 a illustrates an exercise device 100 having a motorized shaft atthe center point of rotation where a foot may be placed. In a particularembodiment, rotatable member 101 may be capable of rotating 360 degreesabout axis point 109. Additionally, rotatable member 101 may comprise anindicator 102 to move across markings 103 to indicate amount of rotationof rotatable member 101. In a particular embodiment, markings 103 may belocated adjacent to the periphery of rotatable member 101 on platform104. According to particular embodiment, markings 103 may indicate ascale for measuring the amount of rotation of rotatable member 101. Sucha scale may comprise a variety of symbols or characters such as, forinstance, numerals, degrees, radians, letters and/or lines. In anotherembodiment, a platform may comprise an indicator 102 adjacent tomarkings 103 on a periphery of rotatable member 101. Additionally,designated foot placement areas 106 and 107 may be positioned onplatform 104 such that a user may place a foot in either or bothdesignated foot placement areas 106 and 107 while using exercise device100. Exercise device 100, including components shown in FIG. 1, may beconstructed from various materials, including but not limited to, steel,carbon steel and/or aluminum. However, these are merely examples of aparticular embodiments of an exercise device and its accompanyingcomponents, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 1 b is a side view of rotatable member 101. In a particularembodiment, rotatable member 101 may comprise a foot fastener 110slidably coupled to rotatable member 101 and capable of elevating auser's foot 109 at an angle θ with respect to a plane parallel toplatform 104. In this configuration, a user may isolate and conditionand/or exercise various muscles of the lower leg that may not betargeted while a user's foot is parallel to platform 104. However, thisis merely an example of a way in which to configure a foot fastenercoupled to a rotatable member and claimed subject matter is not solimited.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user 209 standing in a normal position of uprightweight bearing on platform 207 of exercise device 210. User 209 may bean individual using exercise device 210 to exercise and/or conditionparticular muscles of the leg and/or hip. In a particular embodiment,exercise device 210 may comprise platform 207 further comprising arotatable member 208. When a user 209 is standing in an upright, weightbearing position on platform 207, user 209 may place a foot on rotatablemember 208. In a particular embodiment, when user 209 places a foot onrotatable member 208, rotatable member 208 may rotate the foot in eithera clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In another particularembodiment, when user 209 places a foot on rotatable member 208rotatable member 208 may extend or protract user's foot and leg,relative to the user, in a forward direction 211 or a backward direction212, or to the left 213 or the right 214. Motion, such as rotation,extension or protraction, may be achieved by user 209 by a variety ofmethods including contraction and relaxation of internal and/or externalrotator muscles located at hip 202 and/or 205, knees 203 and/or 215,ankles 204 and/or 216 or by rotation of pelvis 201. However, these aremerely examples of ways in which a user may operate an exercise deviceand its accompanying components according to a particular embodiment,and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rotatable member 300 for use in an exercise device315. In a particular embodiment, rotatable member 300 may be a varietyof shapes, such as, for instance, substantially circular, rectangularand or elliptical. However, these are merely examples of shapes arotatable member may have and claimed subject matter is not so limited.Rotatable member 300 may be incorporated into a platform (e.g. platform207 depicted in FIG. 2). In a particular embodiment, rotatable member300 may comprise bearings 301. Bearings 301 may comprise one or more ofa variety of materials including, but not limited to, steel, aluminumalloy and carbon. Bearings 301 may also have a variety of shapesincluding but not limited to round, oval, and/or tubular. Bearings 301may enable rotatable member 300 to rotate about axis 306. However, inanother embodiment, rotatable member 300 may rotate about axis 306without bearings 301. Additionally, rotatable member 300 may comprise anindicator 309 to correspond to markings 304 on platform 310, enablinguser to monitor or evaluate a range of motion during use. In aparticular embodiment, a user (not shown) may place a foot in fasteningmember 308 along longitudinal axis 307 and rotate rotatable member 300clockwise or counterclockwise. User's range of motion may be measuredusing markings 304 as the user rotates rotatable member 300 with a foot.Also, in a particular embodiment, rotatable member 300 may be coupled toa torque generating member 303 via a shaft 302. Torque generating member303 may comprise a variety of devices, such as, for instance, a coil, aspring, a motor, a clutch and/or a magnetic particle brake. Shaft 302may be capable of translating torque generated by torque generatingmember 303 to rotatable member 300. However, these are merely examplesof ways in which a rotatable member may be configured according to aparticular embodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in thisrespect.

FIG. 4 depicts a torque generating member 400 (also illustrated in FIG.3 as element 303). As discussed above, torque generating member 400 maycomprise a variety of devices, such as, for instance, a coil, a motor, aclutch and/or a magnetic particle brake. In a particular embodiment,torque generating member 400 may be coupled to shaft 401 which may becoupled to a rotatable member 402. According to a particular embodiment,torque generating member 400 may rotate shaft 401 in a clockwise and/orcounterclockwise direction. Shaft 401 may exert torque on rotatablemember 402 in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. In aparticular embodiment, torque generating member 400 may be coupled to acontroller 403 capable of adjusting the amount of torque supplied toshaft 401 by torque generating member 400. In a particular embodiment,torque generating member 400 may comprise a magnetic particle brakehaving a torque proportional to current. According to a particularembodiment, controller 403 may comprise a potentiometer (not shown) forcontrolling current supplied to torque generating member 400. In aparticular embodiment, torque may be applied to rotatable member 402 inthe clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and may enable a user toexercise and/or train muscles with concentric and/or eccentriccontractions. However, this is merely an example of a torque generatingmember, shaft and controller which may operate according to a particularembodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 5 a depicts a stabilizer 500 that may be coupled to a platform,such as platform 207 shown in FIG. 2, for example. There may be someinstances where it may be difficult for a user of an exercise device315, illustrated in FIG. 3, to stabilize the pelvis, hip and knee. In aparticular embodiment, a girdle 501 may be coupled to support member502. Support member 502 may be constructed from one or more of a varietyof materials such as, for instance, steel, iron or plastic. Girdle 501may be constructed from one or more of a variety of materials such as,for instance, cotton, polyester and/or wool. Girdle 501 may be securedto a user by any number of fasteners 504, such as for instance snaps,zippers, Velcro® and/or ties, as examples. Girdle 501, when worn by auser, may stabilize in stabilizing some portion of the user's body whileusing exercise device 315, as discussed above in FIG. 3. This may beuseful, for instance, in preventing twisting of the entire hip or pelvicstructure while exercising or training muscles located in the leg, suchas, for instance, the piriformis muscles.

Additionally, in another particular embodiment, rather than a girdle501, a wrap 503 may be coupled to support member 502 to position wraps503 about a user's knee. This may stabilize a user's knee while using anexercise device 315, as described above. Additionally, a user's entireupper torso and knee may be stabilized by using exercise device 315 froma sitting position. A seat member 504 may enable a user to sit downwhile using exercise device 315. For example, this may enable a user whodoes not have the strength required to use exercise device 315 in anormal upright position of weight bearing to use the device to conditionsome of the muscles of the leg. However, these are merely examples ofways in which a girdle, a wrap, a seat and a support member may beconfigured with respect to an exercise device according to a particularembodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

In a particular embodiment a user may isolate and exercise variousgroups of muscles. Rotation of rotatable member 300, as illustrated inFIG. 3, with stabilization of pelvis, hip or knee, may enable a user mayisolate and exercise and/or condition smaller muscles such as, thepiriformis muscle. Although a particular user may be able to lock thepelvis, hip or knee without assistance, such locking may be enabled byuse of girdle 501, wrap 503 or seat 504 shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b.Additionally, rotation of rotatable member 300, as illustrated in FIG.3, without stabilizing or locking any portion of the body may enable auser to exercise larger muscles that may be utilized during rotation ofrotatable member 300 when the pelvis and the hip are both moving.

FIG. 6 depicts a control panel 600 for controlling settings, use andoperation of an exercise device, described above in FIGS. 1-5. In aparticular embodiment, a user may fully or partially rotate a rotatablemember, as discussed above. During conditioning and/or exercise a usermay repeat such rotations of a rotatable member. A control panel 600 maybe used to program a torque generating member controller (not shown) toallow a user to set a number of repetitions. According to a particularembodiment, repetitions may be set using first digital thumbwheels 601.The number of repetitions may be indicated in a first display 604.Additionally, clockwise resistance (torque) and counterclockwiseresistance (torque) may be set with second and/or third digitalthumbwheels 602 and 603, respectively. An amount of resistance may beindicated in second and third displays 606 and 607. A set/clear button605 may allow setting and clearing of repetition and resistance values.In a particular embodiment, a repetition counter (not shown) may counttotal repetitions accomplished by a user. The number of repetitionscounted may be displayed in first display 604. In a particularembodiment, the repetition counter may be set and an audible tone maysound or a light may flash to indicate when the set number ofrepetitions has been performed. Additionally, either or both thecounterclockwise resistance (torque) or the clockwise resistance(torque) may be set to zero. “On/off” button 608 may activate theexercise device (not shown). A “Start” button 609 may set the exercisedevice to start a function according to settings indicated on controlpanel 600. In a particular embodiment, a user may evaluate his/her rangeof motion by measuring the angle of rotation to which a user is capableof rotating a rotatable member 101, as illustrated in FIG. 1, withrespect to a starting position (e.g. zero degrees). An angle of rotationmay be measured visually by a user inspecting an indicator 102 andmarkings 103 or rotatable member 101 may have sensors capable ofmeasuring an angle of rotation. According to a particular embodiment, anangle measured by sensors on rotatable member 101 may be displayed in afourth display window 610, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Additionally, theangle of rotation may be set by a variety of methods including fourthdigital thumbwheels 612. An angle of rotation may be displayed in afourth display window 610 and may be set for the clockwise and/orcounterclockwise direction with fourth digital thumbwheels 612. However,these are merely examples of ways in which an electronic control paneland controller for an exercise device may control operation of anddisplay information about an exercise device according to a particularembodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side and top view of an exercise device 700.FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of an exercise device 700. In a particularembodiment, a torque generating member 701 may apply a torque to a shaft702 to rotate shaft 702 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, orresist rotation of shaft 702 in the clockwise or counterclockwisedirections. Shaft 702 may rotate a rotatable member 703 on the surfaceof a platform 710 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In aparticular embodiment a user may employ a rotatable member 703 as aconditioning device by placing a foot in a first foot fastener 706 whichis adapted to stabilize the foot during rotation. Rotation of rotatablemember 703 may enable a user to perform a variety of exercises, such as,for instance, concentric exercise, concentric associated with eccentricexercise and/or eccentric exercise. In a particular embodiment, torquegenerating member 701 may be associated with at least one controller, asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 6, enabling a user to program torquegenerating member 701 to various resistance levels and/or to variousangles of rotation. Additionally, sensor 707 may measure the angle ofrotation of rotatable member 703 with respect to zero degrees. A usermay change resistance levels and angles of rotation via a control panel(e.g. control panel 600 discussed in FIG. 6). Platform 710,additionally, may comprise a second foot fastener 708 and a third footfastener, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in the surface. Second foot fastener708 and third foot fastener as illustrated in FIG. 8, respectively, mayassist a user with foot placement during use of exercise device 700.Second and third foot fasteners may have a variety of forms, such as,for instance, grooves, buckles, belts, slots and/or bindings. However,these are merely examples of foot fasteners and claimed subject matteris not limited in this regard.

FIG. 8 is top view of platform 710. In a particular embodiment, platform710 may comprise second foot fastener 708 and third foot fastener 709that may enable a user to securely stand on platform 710 and may directa user to place his/her feet for use of platform 710 during exercise ortraining of muscles. First foot fastener 711, second foot fastener 708and third foot fastener 709 may comprise a variety materials and styles,such as, Velcro® straps, non-slip tape or pads, bindings, and/or plasticslots, for instance. However, these are merely examples of varieties ofmaterials and styles of foot fasteners and claimed subject matter is notlimited in this regard. In a particular embodiment, platform 710 maycomprise a visible scale 703 that, in a particular embodiment, may markangles of rotation of rotatable member 703. In a particular embodiment,rotatable member 703 may further comprise a spring fastener 717 that mayenable a user to attach a spring 718 to rotatable member 703. Spring 717may impart torque to rotatable member 703. However, this is merely anexample of a way in which to impart torque to a rotatable member andclaimed subject matter is not so limited.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of a platform 900 comprising a rotatablemember 906 coupled to resistance member 901. In a particular embodiment,a resistance member 901 may comprise a variety of devices capable ofimparting resistance to rotation of rotatable member 906. Such devicescapable of imparting resistance to rotation of rotatable member 906, maycomprise, at least one spring, at least one counterweight and/or atleast one hydraulic cylinder, for instance. However, these are merelyexamples of devices that may impart resistance to rotation of arotatable member and claimed subject matter is not limited in thisregard. In a particular embodiment, resistance member may comprise acounterweight device (counterweights not shown). According to aparticular embodiment, arm 902 of resistance member 901 may bepositioned such that a pulley 903 at an end of arm 902 may be coupled toa connecting member 904. Connecting member 904 may be coupled to afastening member 905 on rotatable member 906. Coupling rotatable member906 to connecting member 904 may impose a resistance force on rotatablemember 906 in the direction of arrow F through tension on connectingmember 904. However, this is merely an example of a way in which toimpart resistance to a rotatable member and claimed subject matter isnot so limited.

While certain features of claimed subject matter have been illustratedas described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes andequivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such embodiments and changes as fall within the true spirit ofclaimed subject matter.

1. An apparatus comprising: an exercise device comprising a platform; atleast one substantially rotatable member coupled to said platform; andsaid at least one substantially rotatable member coupled to a torquegenerating member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at leastone substantially rotatable member further comprises at least one footfastening member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least onefoot fastening member is slidably coupled to said at least onesubstantially rotatable member and further wherein said at least onefoot fastening member is capable of elevation at an angle with respectto a plane perpendicular to said platform.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said platform further comprises at least one marking.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one substantially rotatablemember further comprises at least one marking.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said torque generating member is capable of generating anadjustable torque.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said torquegenerating member is coupled to a controller.
 8. The apparatus of claim7, wherein said controller is coupled to a control panel.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a control panel.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein said control panel further comprises: atleast one display window; and at least one thumbwheel for adjustingsettings for said exercise device.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one substantially rotatable member is coupled to a shaft.12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said shaft is further coupled tosaid torque generating member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinsaid torque generating member comprises a motor.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises ball bearings.15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating membercomprises a magnetic particle brake.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein said torque generating member comprises at least one coil. 17.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating membercomprises at least one spring.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinsaid torque generating member comprises a hydraulic system.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises amechanical system.
 20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torquegenerating member comprises a pneumatic system.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said platform is coupled to a support member.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein said support member is coupled to agirdle.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said support member iscoupled to a wrap.
 24. An apparatus comprising: an exercise devicecomprising a platform; at least one substantially rotatable membercoupled to said platform; said at least one substantially rotatablemember further comprising a fastening member; and said fastening membercoupled to at least one resistance member.
 25. The apparatus of claim24, wherein said resistance member comprises at least one spring. 26.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said resistance member comprises atleast one hydraulic cylinder.
 27. The apparatus of claim 24, whereinsaid resistance member comprises at least one counterweight.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 24, wherein said resisting member is capable ofgenerating an adjustable resistance.
 29. The apparatus of claim 24,wherein said resisting member is coupled to a controller.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 29, wherein said controller is coupled to a controlpanel.
 31. The apparatus of claim 24, and further comprising a controlpanel.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said control panel furthercomprises: at least one display window; and at least one thumbwheel foradjusting settings for said exercise device.
 33. The apparatus of claim24, wherein said platform is coupled to a support member.
 34. Theapparatus of claim 33, wherein said support member is coupled to agirdle.
 35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said support member iscoupled to a wrap.
 36. A method comprising: exercising small muscles ofa leg and a hip; stabilizing said hip; rotating said leg at said hipagainst a torque; lengthening said small muscles of said leg and saidhip using eccentric contractions; and shortening said small muscles ofsaid leg and said hip using concentric contractions.
 37. A methodcomprising: exercising large muscles of a leg and a hip; rotating saidleg at said hip against a torque; lengthening said large muscles of saidleg and said hip using eccentric contractions; and shortening said largemuscles of said leg and said hip using concentric contractions.
 38. Anapparatus comprising: a means for exercising small muscles of a leg anda hip; a means for stabilizing said hip; a means for rotating said legat said hip against a torque; a means for lengthening said small musclesof said leg and said hip using eccentric contractions; and a means forshortening said small muscles of said leg and said hip using concentriccontractions.
 39. An apparatus comprising: a means for exercising largemuscles of a leg and a hip; a means for rotating said leg at said hipagainst a torque; a means for lengthening said large muscles of said legand said hip using eccentric contractions; and a means for shorteningsaid large muscles of said leg and said hip using concentriccontractions.